Chinese Literature | Page 4

public duties, and rose
through successive stages to the office of Chief Judge in his own
country of Lu. His tenure of office is said to have put an end to crime,
and he became the "idol of the people" in his district. The jealousy of
the feudal lords was roused by his fame as a moral teacher and a
blameless judge. Confucius was driven from his home, and wandered
about, with a few disciples, until his sixty-ninth year, when he returned
to Lu, after accomplishing a work which has borne fruit, such as it is, to
the present day. He spent the remaining five years of his life in editing
the odes and historic monuments in which the glories of the ancient
Chinese dynasty are set forth. He died in his seventy-third year, 478

B.C. There can be no doubt that the success of Confucius has been
singularly great, owing especially to the narrow scope of his scheme,
which has become crystallized in the habits, usages, and customs of the
people. Especially has it been instrumental in consolidating the empire,
and in strengthening the power of the monarch, who, as he every year
burns incense in the red-walled temple at Pekin, utters sincerely the
invocation: "Great art thou, O perfect Sage! Thy virtue is full, thy
doctrine complete. Among mortal men there has not been thine equal.
All kings honor thee. Thy statutes and laws have come gloriously down.
Thou art the pattern in this imperial school. Reverently have the
sacrificial vessels been set out. Full of awe, we sound our drums and
bells."
E. W.
THE ANALECTS
BOOK I
On Learning--Miscellaneous Sayings:--
"To learn," said the Master, "and then to practise opportunely what one
has learnt--does not this bring with it a sense of satisfaction?
"To have associates in study coming to one from distant parts--does not
this also mean pleasure in store?
"And are not those who, while not comprehending all that is said, still
remain not unpleased to hear, men of the superior order?"
A saying of the Scholar Yu:--
"It is rarely the case that those who act the part of true men in regard to
their duty to parents and elder brothers are at the same time willing to
turn currishly upon their superiors: it has never yet been the case that
such as desire not to commit that offence have been men willing to
promote anarchy or disorder.

"Men of superior mind busy themselves first in getting at the root of
things; and when they have succeeded in this the right course is open to
them. Well, are not filial piety and friendly subordination among
brothers a root of that right feeling which is owing generally from man
to man?"
The Master observed, "Rarely do we meet with the right feeling due
from one man to another where there is fine speech and studied mien."
The Scholar Tsang once said of himself: "On three points I examine
myself daily, viz., whether, in looking after other people's interests, I
have not been acting whole-heartedly; whether, in my intercourse with
friends, I have not been true; and whether, after teaching, I have not
myself been practising what I have taught."
The Master once observed that to rule well one of the larger States
meant strict attention to its affairs and conscientiousness on the part of
the ruler; careful husbanding of its resources, with at the same time a
tender care for the interests of all classes; and the employing of the
masses in the public service at suitable seasons.
"Let young people," said he, "show filial piety at home, respectfulness
towards their elders when away from home; let them be circumspect,
be truthful; their love going out freely towards all, cultivating good-will
to men. And if, in such a walk, there be time or energy left for other
things, let them employ it in the acquisition of literary or artistic
accomplishments."
The disciple Tsz-hiá said, "The appreciation of worth in men of worth,
thus diverting the mind from lascivious desires--ministering to parents
while one is the most capable of so doing--serving one's ruler when one
is able to devote himself entirely to that object--being sincere in one's
language in intercourse with friends: this I certainly must call evidence
of learning, though others may say there has been 'no learning.'"
Sayings of the Master:--
"If the great man be not grave, he will not be revered, neither can his

learning be solid.
"Give prominent place to loyalty and sincerity.
"Have no associates in study who are not advanced somewhat like
yourself.
"When you have erred, be not afraid to correct yourself."
A saying of the Scholar Tsang:--
"The virtue of the people is renewed and enriched when attention is
seen to be paid to the departed, and the remembrance